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Introduction Human Factors Model Usability Visual Displays Non-Visual Displays Controls Environment Cognition Training Team Performance
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Module Introduction
Lesson Goals
Human Visual System
Contrast & Color
CIE Color Space
Color Choices
Pre-Attentive Processing
Text
Symbols
Module Summary
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Visual Displays > Symbols - 1 of 4
 
 


Symbols and Icons - Definitions

There are varying definitions of symbols and icons. Sometimes they are used interchangeably. However, in computer interface design, an "icon" is a pictoral, graphic representation of an object that can be directly manipulated and results in opening an application or issuing a command.

A symbol has no direct relationship with the object or item that it "stands for" or represents except that which has been agreed upon by convention. Symbols are arbitrary and must be learned. For the purposes of this course, the following definitions will be used:

  • Icon - A pictoral depiction of an object that is readily identified without text or labeling. Its meaning is intuitive.
  • Symbol - An arbitrary depiction of an object that bears little or no physical resemblance to what it represents. Its meaning must be learned.
  • Computer Icon - An icon that can be manipulated to effect a user initiated action as part of the human-to-computer interface. It should be intuitive. Computer icons are usually placed within a border that may or may not contain a label.
Airplane Hospital Mailbox
US 		Mailbox
England
Airplane icon
Hospital icon
 Mailbox icon Mailbox England
ICON
Intuitive 		SYMBOL
Learned 		COMPUTER ICON
Intuitive to Specific Culture 		COMPUTER ICON
Intuitive to Specific Culture
 
   
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